"Once you start compromising your thoughts, you're a candidate for mediocrity."
― Arnold Epstein Biloxi Blues
Saturday's mission for Splendid Tiger Beetle Cicindela splendida didn't quite pan out. Well, the phenological timing was right, and there was plenty of sunlight, but it just didn't get quite warm enough for the beetles to emerge from the rocky outcroppings atop the bluff. In fact, the only active tiger beetle was a single Oblique-lined Cicindela tranquebarica found on the main trail below.
Doesn't matter! There's still plenty of cool things to see at Spring Green Preserve, notably the various prairie wildflowers beginning to open, like Birdfoot Violet Viola pedata.
And oodles of Prairie Buttercup Ranunculus rhomboideus.
A few Lark Sparrows Chondestes grammacus have returned to the prairie, but there are a lot more on the way back to southern Wisconsin. Other new Spring Green birds for the year were Pipilo erythrophthalmus and Toxostoma rufum.
The winds atop the bluff were blustery, and given a few past mishaps on the outcroppings, caution was the rule of the day. Injuries have a way of reminding us that Nature rewards respect but punishes recklessness without mercy.
Again, scouring the entire ridge, not a single C. splendida was detected―too cold, too windy.
However, the bluff trail, sheltered by trees, blocked the worst of the wind, and there were moments of calm―perfect opportunities to photograph spring's first butterflies, like this Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa:
As well as some Eastern Comma Polygonia comma:
An old quarry sits atop the bluff, shrouded in thick overgrowth. Though its history remains unclear and its last use is lost in time, it stands as a silent witness to a bygone era, slowly being reclaimed by Nature. It's a fascinating spot where the past and present coexist. On this visit, there wasn't much present for wildlife, aside from a lone Field Sparrow and a few Green Darner dragonflies.
On the return hike to the parking lot, some stops were made to photograph Hepatica and Rue-Anemone.
Readers here know that I am a firm and unwavering advocate for the First Amendment and the right to free expression. However, as you may have observed, I recently decided to remove a post that didn't really align with the spirit of this blog, which is focused on Nature and the outdoors. That said, when it comes to violations of the First Amendment, especially concerning religion, I'll pull no punches and I may provide an occasional opinion. Having said that, I prefer to keep this space focused on the beauty of the world around us.
All images © 2025 Mike McDowell